Honours even in the capital | Hibernian 1 - 1 Motherwell

Motherwell were unable to take three points in an evenly contested game with David Gray's Hibernian.

Match report

Keen to make amends after their previous meeting with Motherwell, Hibernian started brightly, asserting control early and enjoying a sustained spell of dominance. From the outset, the absence of the injured Elliot Watt loomed large for the visitors, with Hibs preventing Motherwell from establishing the same composure and control they had shown last time out.

The hosts pressed with intent in the opening exchanges, carving out chances for Kieran Bowie, Grant Hanley, and Jordan Obita, all of whom went close to breaking the deadlock. Despite Hibs holding the upper hand for much of the first half, Motherwell remained a threat on the counter. Tom Sparrow and Tawanda Maswanhise both tested Sallinger, forcing the goalkeeper into smart saves to keep the game level.

The breakthrough came after the interval, courtesy of a ruthless, flowing Motherwell counter-attack.

Elijah Just released Maswanhise in space, and the winger showed real composure to guide his finish beyond Sallinger, giving the Steelmen the lead. That advantage proved short-lived, however. Moments later, a misjudged attempted interception from Sparrow from a diagonal allowed Obita to advance down the left and pick out Bowie, who adjusted brilliantly before firing home his ninth goal of the season.

Both sides had opportunities to snatch a winner as the game opened up in the closing stages, but neither could find the decisive touch. In the end, a draw felt a fair reflection of a lively and well-contested encounter, with both teams likely content to take a point from an absorbing afternoon.

What did we learn?

Fair pricing leads to better football matches

We have to talk about the brilliant initiative from Hibs, who held the yearly installment of their "football for a fiver" campaign. To watch two high flying teams for such an affordable price, particularly immediately after Christmas and during a cost-of-living crisis, is extremely commendable.

We would love it if Motherwell reciprocated the gesture for the return fixture on the 21st March. To do so would signal a great appreciation to Hibs for their gesture and also help make football that little bit more affordable. Who knows, by bringing the prices so low we could also be encouraging the next generation of fans through the Fir Park gates too.

Priestman more than capable

Okay, this is more of a 'reaffirming what we already know' rather than a what did we learn. Priestman put in some hugely impressive shifts against Hibs at home, where he won Man of the Match, and against Celtic a few weeks back. He's a hugely talented footballer who probably would have more game time were it not for the rampant season Watt is having.

Still, the young Aussie had another impressive game, though, admittedly, less impactful than his first start against Hibs earlier in the season. In the 73 minutes he played in that game, he made 33 passes with a passing accuracy of 93.3% - not bad going at all.

Jordan McGhee is entering the fray

It was genuinely uplifting to see McGhee step back onto the pitch on Saturday. His arrival at Motherwell had sparked real excitement among the support, such was the form he had shown during his time at Dundee. Seeing him involved again felt like a small but significant moment, and one that will hopefully mark the beginning of a sustained run back in claret and amber.

Onto the cup

To take a point away from home - and at one of the high-flying Capital contenders, no less - into the Scottish Cup weekend is vital to keep that confidence rolling. Hearing now that Elliot Watt is out till 'at least February' is a longer term blow than the Steelmen would've like but still; to know the next man up is as capable is great to see.